On May 1st, a search of the Saskatoon landfill on Valley Road will begin, in an effort to find evidence related to the investigation into the disappearance of Mackenzie Lee Trottier. She was 22 when her family last saw her, on December 21st of 2020.
Deputy Chief Cam McBride says during the investigation several devices were seized, and information from those devices has led investigators to be confident in the location they are searching, and confident enough that the Police Service can’t leave this investigative lead undone. The area is about 930 cubic metres and is about a metre deep. Specialized dog teams from British Columbia RCMP and the Calgary Police Services will be helping out, and anthropologist Dr. Ernie Walker will continue to consult.
The goal of this search is to close this lead. McBride says, “Ideally, on one hand we would like to find nothing, and then we will continue looking. On the other hand, we may find her and then we will proceed down the next course of the investigation.” Although the site was identified late last year, experts advised that this spring would be a better time for the search. The site has been kept secure to keep its integrity intact.
Mackenzie’s father, Paul Trottier says she has been missing for 40 months and two weeks. He describes her as someone who cares deeply for those without a voice. She loves animals, is very bright and has always been prepared to take those under her wing who need help. He thanks the support network that has surrounded them since Mackenzie went missing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saskatoon Police Service or Crime Stoppers.